The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

THE aftermath of Hurricane Matthew kept me from commentating in my picks column last week. The week before, with the storm approaching the Bahamas, the picks were done a day early.

Today, normal service is resumed ... before vacation time finally arrives, forcing my next two columns to be brief and to the point.

This week, it is all about the breakdown.

My Pats are on their way to 6-1, no debate, that is a definite. Big Ben is out again, it is time for a smarter plan in Pittsburgh. And the Vikings and that new age “Purple Eaters” defence is out for vengeance.

Welcome to week 7: check your expectations at the door!

Chicago Bears (1-5) @

Green Bay Packers (3-2)

The Packers are in trouble. While their defence has shown signs, the lack of offensive depth and skill beyond the super capabilities of Aaron Rodgers are starting to show ... tremendously.

This week, the scheduling gods have opted to bless the team with a “get right” opportunity, as the boys from Lambeau welcome the Chicago Bears. The Bears have done little in the way of improving this year and the questions about Jay Cutler have only intensified. Packers are in for a big night.

PACKERS

New York Giants (3-3) @

Los Angeles Rams (3-3)

Exactly how many London games are we getting this season? No seriously? I need to know because I need six more than whatever number was originally quoted by the league. There is nothing better than early morning football on Sunday.

This week, we have Giants v Rams. Both team are 3-3, and are looking to make a move up the wildcard ranks. While it is still early in the season, this game could play a huge role in determining what the NFC playoffs look like come season’s end.

GIANTS

New Orleans Saints (2-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (3-2)

The Kansas City Chiefs are home with the better defence. The answer here is clear.

CHIEFS

Indianpolis Colts (2-4) @ Tennessee Titans (3-3)

My colleague on The Press Box, Naughty, has concluded that the Tennessee Titans behind Demarco Murray and a stout defence can make a run at the division crown. With a win this weekend the team can help bury the Colts. Even thought the Colts are on thin ice now, this is the sort of game that Andrew Luck shines in.

COLTS

Minnesota Vikings

(5-0) @ Philadelphia

Eagles (3-2)

This game has me upset. Every so often, there is a crop of young players that comes along and reinforces your belief that the game is in good hands. The 2016 Draft has offered us several such athletes, chief among them are the Eagles’ starting QB, Carson Wentz.

I want Wentz to be good. I want him to become a star. And he has been that and so much more for the most part of this young season. While his team has struggled over the last two weeks, he has managed to remain a bright spot.

This week we see him in his biggest test as he squares off against one of the league’s best defences statistically, and the league’s most skilled based on the eye test.

VIKINGS

Cleveland Browns (0-6) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)

No discussion here. The Browns are the worst team in the league and their play on the field will certainly show it on Sunday.

BENGALS

Washington Redskins (4-2) @ Detroit Lions (3-3)

Two things are certain: the Lions can score and the Redskins are a game-to-game team. In a league where parody is the word of choice, there is virtually no difference (skill wise) between these two teams.

LIONS

Oakland Raiders (4-2) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3)

The Raiders are by far the better team.

RAIDERS

Buffalo Bills (4-2)

@ Miami Dolphins (2-4)

The Dolphins are coming off a big performance against the Steelers last week. With confidence in tow, they square off against Buffalo. The Bills are winners of four straight, including games against the Patriots and a dominating win over the 49ers. Five is in view.

BILLS

Baltimore Ravens (3-3)

@ New York Jets (1-5)

Welcome back Geno Smith. Sorry, but the Ravens await you

RAVENS

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(2-3) @ San Francisco

49ers (1-5)

In match-ups this bad, to the home team goes the nod.

49ERS

San Diego Chargers

(2-4) @ Atlanta

Falcons (4-2)

Renaldo has asked me not to overlook or undervalue the Falcons, but he has also picked the Chargers to win their division.

He doesn’t really understand football. I don’t get that, as at one point he was a really good QB.

FALCONS

New England Patriots

(5-1) @ Pittsburgh

Steelers (4-2)

The Steelers will be without Big Ben for at least the next month after a reported meniscus tear. The Patriots are working themselves into playoff form.

PATRIOTS

Seattle Seahawks (4-1) @

Arizona Cardinals (3-3)

The Seahawks sideline got really intense last week v the Cardinals. It is clear that the team is working to get the intensity it had a couple of years ago back. This week they are on the road against a big time division rival.

SEAHAWKS

Houston Texans (4-2) @

Denver Broncos (4-2)

Brock Osweiler is back in Denver this week. I think that Denver defence remembers all his weaknesses.

BRONCOS

Teams on bye

Dallas Cowboys (5-1)

Carolina Panthers (1-5)